Wyoming becomes 29th state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Wyoming becomes 29th state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter, 

Wyoming became the latest state to pass a state version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Thursday.

Republican Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 207 into law following its passage in a 57-3 vote in the Republican-controlled Wyoming House of Representatives and a 28-3 vote in the Republican-controlled Wyoming Senate.

The votes in favor of the measure came mostly from Republicans and opposition to it came mostly from Democrats. However, one House Republican joined Democrats in opposing it, while three Senate Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it.

The Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act is modeled after federal legislation of the same name.

The policy states: "State action shall not substantially burden a person's right to the exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability unless it is demonstrated that applying the burden to that person's exercise of religion in that particular instance" is "essential to further a compelling governmental interest" or "the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest."

Examples of what constitutes a "burden" listed in the act include "withholding of benefits" as well as "assessing criminal, civil or administrative penalties," "exclusion from governmental programs" and "denial of access to government facilities."

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